At SuccessFactors, it is easy to take virtual teams for granted. We began with a global vision, and from the start worked across geographies in virtual teams. Simply put, we got things done – the actual mechanisms, e-mail, PRDs, webcasts, were not nearly as important as the attitudes of the team members. Not long ago SuccessFactors Research, along with Jim Ware and Charles Grantham from the Future of Work, took a look at how the workforce is changing. One clear result – more people will be working remotely. The days of knocking on the office door, or ducking into a coworker’s cube to ask a question are coming to an end. 

The question arises, as companies expand opportunities to work remotely, how can they ensure that their virtual teams stand up and deliver? How can companies recreate the seamless virtual teams that I have taken for granted at my time with SuccessFactors? The folks over at OnPoint Consulting have done some research on virtual teams and found that successful teams have members that:

• Show Initiative
• Are willing to assume Leadership/Responsibility
• Share Processes
• Have a clear understanding of their contribution to the company
• Provide timely feedback
• Are willing to  expend extra effort
• Work together well
• Help each other